MLB Rumors

After hitting .245 against left-handed pitchers in 2012, the Braves had concerns for third baseman Chris Johnson heading into the season. Those concerns seem to have disappeared since Johnson entered Sunday against the Dodgers with a major-league leading .435 average (20 for 46) against left-handed pitchers.

"There's a couple things I've had trouble against lefties with, and I've just been trying to eliminate that and not even worry about that," Johnson said to MLB.com. "It's been working. I've just got to continue focusing on going up the middle and going the other way."

Johnson entered the season with a career .283 average against right-handed pitchers and a .255 average against left-handers. He's now batting .277 in his career against lefties.

"I think I used to just feel more comfortable with lefties out there, rather than having to face a tough righty," Johnson said. "I'd be like, 'Oh, I feel so good, I'm going to homer off this guy.' Then the next thing you know, I'm 0 for 4."

Although Braves starting pitcher Kris Medlen allowed an unearned run in seven innings during a no-decision Saturday against the Dodgers, the right-hander was not happy he walked three batters.

"That adds more pitches to my pitch count," Medlen told MLB.com. "I could have gone eight [innings] and handed the ball off to Craig [Kimbrel]. It's just frustrating. But the good news is I don't feel as good as I should. I felt good last night, but my delivery didn't feel as consistent as I want it to."

Medlen has issued 22 walks through 56 2/3 innings, which is one fewer than he allowed in 138 innings last year. Medlen has started to improve in May behind a 2.73 ERA in his last four starts and having gone at least seven innings in three of those outings. But he said he still needs to "clean it up a little bit."

"I think I set the bar pretty high for others," Medlen said of his performance last year. "But I also feel like I set the bar pretty high for myself. I want to be what I was last year every single time out. I'm not necessarily there yet. But I hope everything starts clicking and I can get back to just being more consistent with walks. I'd rather give up a line drive off the wall rather than walk guys."

The Angels released infielder Bill Hall Sunday. Hall has been released twice by Los Angeles in the last two months. The veteran utility player was batting .164 over 21 games. 

The Rangers will evaluate the status of second baseman Ian Kinsler Sunday, ESPN reports. Texas must decide whether or not to place him on the disabled list due to his bruised ribs. 

Kinsler is missing time and the Rangers summoned top prospect Jurickson Profar in case the infielder is needed to fill in for the veteran Kinsler. Profar will officially be recalled if Kinsler lands on the disabled list. 

Mets reliever Robert Carson gave up his seventh home run in 11 innings during Saturday's game against the Cubs. He's had scoreless appearances in just two of his eight outings and has a 10.64 ERA.

"It's just inexperience," Collins said. "He probably doesn't pitch as much here as he does in the minor leagues. You're more on a schedule there, and as you go a couple of days, you're going to get in a game. And he hasn't been doing that. The thing I like is that his velocity is up, but he's throwing balls right down the plate. He gets behind, and he'll throw a fastball right down the middle and get hurt."

Rays outfielder Matt Joyce was frustrated Saturday by Baltimore's exaggerated shift used against him defensively, MLB.com reports. 

"The shift is tough," Joyce said. "After the first at-bat, I came in and told Joe [Maddon] I'm probably going to try and hit the ball to left field. And he said, 'No, just be you. Stay who you are. Keep doing what you're doing and you'll find the holes.'"

Joyce doubled twice by the end of Saturday's game. He also homered and drove in five RBI. 

"That's what I talk about all the time. I just want him to be himself," Maddon said. "That's what we try to do to other teams. Don't let them do that to us. I always talk to our guys about dictating to the other side. I don't want them to dictate to us. So just be yourself. Go up there and swing the bat like you can, and it's all going to come back to you."

The Blue Jays transferred Sergio Santos to the 60-day disabled list Sunday to make room on the roster for the addition of Thad Weber, MLB.com reports. 

Santos had minor surgery to clear bone spurs and chips from the joint in his right elbow. He's expected to be out until at least late June. 

Padres manager Bud Black said Sunday if outfielder Cameron Maybin (wrist) responds well to swinging a bat this week, then he might begin a rehab assignment Friday, according to MLB.com. Maybin has been sidelined since mid-April.

The Blue Jays claimed reliever Thad Weber off waivers from San Diego Sunday, MLB.com reports. He has been assigned to Triple-A Buffalo. 

Weber appeared in three games earlier in the season, before being sent to Triple-A Tucson. He had a 4.15 ERA in 13 major-league innings over parts of two seasons. 

The Padres are 10-3 in their last 13 games at PETCO Park. The pitching staff has compiled a 2.90 ERA in those 13 outings.